On the sidelines of the 10th International Forum “Russia – Country of Sports” in Kemerovo, the President of the ROC answered the questions of journalists covering this important event for all representatives of the sports industry.
– First of all, I would like to thank the organizers. The Forum turned out to be large-scale both in terms of the number of participants and the working agenda. Holding events of this format in different cities of Russia allows, among other things, to assess the opportunities for the development of physical culture and sport in individual regions. Here in Kemerovo, colleagues from sports federations will certainly be able to see and assess different arenas for potential use in the future as training grounds. Moreover, now training camps are gradually shifting towards the Russian Federation.
Considering that the IOC is now holding consultations with representatives of the Olympic community on the issue of allowing Russian athletes to qualify for the 2024 Games, it is time for our sports industry, as they say, to compare notes and discuss the next steps. The platform of the Forum has positively contributed to this in every possible way.
Any dialogue between public organizations and sports authorities should lead to a positive result, thanks to coordinated actions and a clear working plan, including for the very near future.
In Kemerovo, I have planned a number of working meetings with colleagues from the National Olympic Committees of friendly countries, as well as heads of sports federations. We will discuss not only the preparations for the 2024 Games in Paris, which continues despite difficult conditions, but also humanitarian cooperation.
The modern Olympic Movement is not only about the motto “Faster, Higher, Stronger”, it also implies the concept of “Togetherness”. Therefore, it is very important to work together in areas such as the exchange of personnel, advanced training of coaches and specialists, promotion of the Olympic Movement, as well as the formation of business and friendly contacts through the Athletes’ Commissions.
– How has the work of the ROC changed under the conditions of international sanctions imposed on Russian athletes?
– First of all, I would like to note that the Russian Olympic Committee remains a full member of the international Olympic movement. This allows us to use all available opportunities for a prompt response to the current situation. Of course, there are difficulties. Not all of our colleagues from other countries are able to adequately resist political pressure. However, I am confident that ultimately we will overcome all difficulties.
– What is your attitude to the mobilization of Russian athletes?
– I have already commented on this topic. According to Article 59 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation, the defense of the Fatherland is the duty and obligation of a citizen of the Russian Federation. I am pleasantly surprised that many foreign partners are now actively discussing this topic. We can help by giving them copies of the Constitution of the Russian Federation for the New Year holidays so that they can study it even better. I think after that many questions will cease to exist automatically.
